Abstract: Shallow lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang River are important strategic resources to support the high-quality development of regional economy and society, and play an important role in maintaining regional water security, food security, ecological security and biodiversity protection.However, this region has a large population and a long history of development.Under the dual influence of climate change and human activities, there are widespread ecological and environmental problems such as eutrophication and lake function degradation.Aquatic plants play a constructive role in the lake wetland ecosystem.In light of the prevailing circumstances pertaining to shallow lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang River, and the current state of wetland plant protection, this paper analysed the main ecological and environmental problems faced by these lakes from the perspective of plant protection and restoration of wetlands.These included changes in hydrological processes, habitat loss, overuse of resources, water eutrophication, flood disasters, invasive species infestation, insufficient integrated watershed management and scientific research and observation.We then presented a series of countermeasures and suggestions for the protection and restoration of aquatic vegetation.These included the following: optimising the allocation of water resources; restoring wetland habitats; rational use of water resources; improving water quality; improving the relationship between rivers and lakes; preventing and controlling invasive organisms; perfecting watershed management system; and strengthening observation and research.This study is expected to promote basin systematic governance, sustainable utilization of resources, lake water ecological environment improvement and lake function restoration.